As the 2024 NFL season approaches, fans and analysts are abuzz with anticipation and speculation. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coming off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, appear poised for another competitive year. However, their journey is laden with challenges, not least because they are not the favorites to clinch the division title according to the latest odds for the 2025 Super Bowl.
In a significant offseason move, the Buccaneers signed quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. The investment in Mayfield signals Tampa Bay's commitment to building a formidable squad, yet bookmakers have not favored them to dominate the division. That honor goes to the Atlanta Falcons, a team that has made substantial offseason acquisitions to bolster their chances.
Falcons Enter Season as Favorites
The Atlanta Falcons' odds to win the NFC South stand at -120, with -196 odds to make the playoffs. These favorable numbers reflect the team's strategic moves, including the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins, known for his consistent performance, is expected to enhance Atlanta’s offense significantly. The Falcons' management and fans alike are optimistic that these changes will translate into on-field success.
Eric Cohen, a SportsLine NFL expert, shares this optimism. Cohen, who finished last season with a 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, offers insights that resonate with many in the sports analysis community. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," the expert boasts, suggesting that his upcoming predictions hold substantial weight.
Cohen's Grim Prediction for the Patriots
In his comprehensive grid predicting each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season, Cohen presents a pessimistic view for the New England Patriots. The storied franchise, which experienced losing records in three of the past four seasons, is forecasted to face another arduous year. Under new head coach Jerod Mayo, replacing the legendary Bill Belichick, the Patriots are predicted to finish with a grim 2-15 record.
Cohen elaborates on his outlook: "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick." The transition period without the long-serving Belichick, combined with a tough start to the season—three of their first four games on the road—posits significant challenges for Mayo and his team.
Rams Look to Build on Success
Another team to watch is the Los Angeles Rams. Under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have displayed consistent performance, making five playoff appearances in seven seasons. They have won at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons, including a 12-5 record and a Super Bowl victory in the 2021-22 season.
Despite such success, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years. Nevertheless, the team looks strong heading into the new season, mainly because they will return the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams, who had 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, remains a pivotal figure in McVay’s offensive strategy.
The Rams' steadfast performance under McVay's guidance and their ability to retain key players underscore their potential to remain competitive. As Cohen points out, such stability and retained talent are critical for any team aspiring for postseason success.
Outlook for the Upcoming Season
As the new season draws near, fans are eager to see how these narratives unfold on the field. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite not being the favorites, have a capable quarterback in Mayfield. The Atlanta Falcons, buoyed by off-season acquisitions and promising odds, appear ready to challenge for the top spot in the NFC South. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots face a daunting season under new leadership, and the Los Angeles Rams aim to maintain their competitive edge under McVay’s tutelage.
Eric Cohen's insightful predictions and analysis add another layer of intrigue. His track record and confident forecasts make him a go-to source for fans looking to stay ahead of the game. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," teases further revelations, including a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money.
In summary, the 2024 NFL season promises a blend of excitement, uncertainty, and high stakes. With teams making strategic moves and expert analysts offering bold predictions, football enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as the action unfolds.